Adaptogens that Support Adrenal Function & Reduce Stress

Herbal adaptogens are a category of herbs that help the body do just that,
adapt to extreme circumstances including stress.

When we are exposed to
stress the body releases cortisol, adrenaline and glucose into the
bloodstream.

Physical strength, reaction speed and mental alertness are all
temporarily optimised by the body to enable it to either fight or flight
(escape) the stressor, this is an essential survival response and at one
time would only have been triggered when there was danger.

However, in modern life this stress response is regularly triggered for
both real and imagined danger.

In fact, many of us are experiencing
constant chronic stress and the fight or flight response is constantly
turned on, the adrenal glands are burnt out and the body is flooded with
the stress hormone cortisol.

The adrenal glands are responsible for releasing hormones like cortisol, so
under conditions of extreme ongoing stress, adrenal fatigue sets in.

This
is where adaptogens come in, they have been shown to increase the
resilience to physical and emotional stress by balancing the release of
hormones and assisting the the parasympathetic nervous system in restoring
balance.

The 5 Best Adaptogenic Herbs

1. Siberian Ginseng - Eleutheroccocus sentiosus

Thanks
to Professor Brekham in Russia, there is an abundant amount of research
into this adaptogen.

Brekham’s conclusions showed that this root can
increase the body’s capacity by 500% - meaning you can do 500% more
activity on Siberian Ginsengbefore reaching exhaustion.

It also
reduces sensations of fatigue and increases immune cells in response to
exposure to viruses or bacteria.

2. Brahmi -Bacopa monieri

It is a grounding adaptogen
best known for its ability to improve memory and concentration.

Brahmi is
well known for reducing the stress hormone cortisol and in this way
counteracting the effects of stress.

It can also decrease anxiety by
improving the production of serotonin (the happy hormone).

This is an
important ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries as a "nervine" -
a herb that calms the nervous system.

Brahmi is a fat-soluble herb and
should be taken with a fat source for best effect, try adding it to hot
water with a spoonful of oil, butter, ghee or honey.

3. Rhodiola Rosea

Is commonly known as arctic root, as it
grows in the arctic regions of Europe.

Russian researchers tested Rhodiola
on Russian cosmonauts, military personnel and sportsmen and found that it
this adaptogen would increase stamina, modulate their stress response and
improve their recovery time.

Rhodiola is a very uplifting herb, with
studies evidencing that it can reduce the symptoms of fatigue and
exhaustion. It is also a powerful anti-viral and appears to reduce
vulnerability to viral infection after a period of stress.

4. Astragalus Membrenaecaous

Astragalus is a herb that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine
to help the body mount a stronger immune response to invading viruses or
bacteria.

During a period of stress, cortisol is increased.

Cortisol
suppresses the actions of the immune system, creating vulnerability to
illness during stressful episodes leading to coughs, colds and infections.

By reducing cortisol, the immune response is therefore strengthened.

Research into the precise mechanisms of Astragalus show that administration
of Astragalus increases the body’s T-Cell count. T Cells are immune cells
that help the body mount an immune response to an invader.

5. Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra is a bright red
little berry, used to make wine, powders and tinctures.

It is popular in
Traditional Chinese Medicine where it is nicknamed “the five flavoured fruit” as it is sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy.

It has a 2000-year
history of use in China and is recorded as being the herb of youth and
vitality.

Modern day interest in Schisandra has shown that it is an
uplifting adaptogen that is most often used to improve physical performance
and mental agility.

The 5 Best Adaptogenic Foods

1. Turmeric –Scientists in India found that Turmeric
helped the body stay healthy, based on numerous metrics such as weight,
blood pressure, immunity and inflammation, whilst under stress.

It is
believed that Turmeric can support the body’s innate antioxidant function,
so decreasing inflammation and boosting immunity, as well as helping the
body to maintain healthy levels of stress hormone production.

Turmeric can
be enjoyed as an addition to Asian-themed foods, soups, curries and in
drinks as an infusion or as a turmeric latte made with warm, frothy coconut
milk.

2. Moringa – This leaf been shown in studies to have a
stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels.

This is helpful as unstable blood
sugar levels can trigger the stress response and often be the cause behind
fight or flight in the body.

The leaf of the Moringa tree is dried and
ground into a powder, it makes a great addition to a green smoothie or
juice.

3. Maca – This Peruvian root vegetable is a member of the
cruciferous family i.e. linked to cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage.

It is
a powerhouse of nutrients containing seven essential amino acids and lots
of fibre.

It has been found to be a great use when trying to balance hormone levels and the glucosinolates in Maca create a much-needed energy
boost in the face of fatigue.

Maca powder can be added to smoothies,
porridge, breakfast bowls and home bakes.

4. Liquorice Root – Modern living places a lot of strain
on our adrenal glands.

Liquorice root has been found to help regulate
cortisol, the stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

In fact
chewing on Liquorice root can serve two purposes because whilst it is
giving our adrenals a break it also can distract from the state of anxiety
by providing something to hold and chew.

Liquorice can also be enjoyed as a
tea by infusing the shredded or powered root in boiling water.

5. Medicinal Mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps and Chaga – They help to support the
immune system, especially during times of stress.

Reishi and Chaga are
immune-modulating, which means that they contain substances that help to
promote the production of immune cells to prevent disease.

Dried, powdered
mushrooms can be consumed by making a tea infusion, adding to hot chocolate
or including in a soup, stew or curry.

By Claire Kelly

Claire is a co-founder and director of Indigo Herbs and is passionate
about natural health solutions. Following a background as a holistic
therapist, Claire brings together a wealth of natural superfood and
herbal ingredients with inspiration on how to achieve your optimum
health and wellbeing.

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